Often called the “father of the California Missions,” Junípero Serra did more than any other man to advance the Catholic church and beliefs in California. He was an indefatigable explorer, organizer and administrator. Pope John Paul II beatified Serra (made him a candidate for sainthood) in 1988. Pope Francis canonized him in 2015. Both Spain and the United States have honored Serra with postage stamps bearing his likeness.

Serra undoubtedly had a major impact on the settlement of California, but he has also been criticized for the abuse of the California Indians, and the destruction of their culture. In his writings, he sometimes justified the beating of Indians employed by the missions, as children who needed correction. However, more frequently he stood up for the Indians against ranchers and civil authorities who were attempting to enslave them.

In an interesting historical note, Serra took up collections among his parishes to support the American Revolution, and sent the funds to General George Washington.

Don Gaspár de Portolá (1723-1784)

An experienced and able military leader, Don Gaspár de Portolá served as Governor of Baja and Alta California from 1768-1770. He organized the expedition to colonize Alta California, and personally led the parties that settled San Diego and Monterey.

Pedro Cambón

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Angel Somera

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Francisco Palóu Founded:

Fermín Francisco de Lasuén (1736-1803)

An able successor to Junípero Serra, Lasuén doubled the number of missions, and more than doubled the number of converts. He also greatly increased the productivity and wealth of the missions by emphasizing the development of mission farms, herds, and industries.

He is credited with introducing the adobe wall and tile roofarchitecture commonly associated with the California missions.